Holland Symphony, one of Holland’s most esteemed cultural institutions, is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael T. Naess as its new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2024.
For three decades Michael has tasted success as a marketing and fundraising professional for
organizations such as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Carnegie Hall, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, and most recently the Vice President of Development at the Grand Rapids Symphony. Born in Houston and raised primarily on the East Coast, Michael has family in Virginia and Munich. Naess earned his bachelor’s degree in Renaissance and Baroque Choral Music from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine and further continued education at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He is a passionate performing arts enthusiast with a love for travel, physical fitness, classical music, and dogs!
In Michael Naess, Holland Symphony has found a talented leader who in his words says he is
“committed to the life and prosperity of live orchestra music because it brings joy and connection to our community, enriches the human spirit and has the power to transform lives for the better. The standing ovations, roaring applause, and the smiles on the faces of the musicians, students and audience members are the great fruits of our passionate labor.”
Holland Symphony extends its heartfelt gratitude to Kay Walvoord for her invaluable contributions
and leadership during 36-year tenure. Walvoord will continue to support the orchestra during the
transition period to ensure a seamless handover. Please join us in welcoming Michael Naess to the HSO family. He will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Holland Symphony as we continue to seek to enrich the cultural landscape of Holland and beyond.
Concert Sponsor: University of Michigan Health - West. Pops at the Pier will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, Eldean Boat Shed #3. Singers, Lisa Vroman & Doug LaBrecque, will delight you singing Broadway favorites. Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra performs at 6:00pm. The concert with Holland Symphony Orchestra & soloists starts at 7:00 p.m.
Concert Sponsors: Corewell Health, Macatawa Area Coordinating Council & Gentex. Free Community Concert: Music Unites Us - Brazil! Saturday, August 10, 2024, 7:00 p.m. Henry P. VanderLinde Bandshell, Kollen Park, Choro das 3, guest artists Christopher Fashun, guest conductor.
Concert Sponsor: In memory of Floyd Farmer. An American in Paris, opening concert of the 24-25 season, will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Hope College, Johannes Müller Stosch, Music Director. Huw Lewis, one of our favorite guest artists, will perform Barber's Toccata Festiva for Organ and Orchestra.
The concert on Saturday, November 2, 2024, 7:30 p.m. at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Hope College will feature the return to Holland of another of our favorite artists, Andrew Le, pianist performing Poulenc's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra with Johannes Müller Stosch, Music Director and Conductor conducting. The major work will be Debussy's La Mer.
Concert Sponsor: Pat & Camy Thompson. The Holiday Concert will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024, 3:30 p.m. Dimnent Chapel, Hope College with guest soprano Jennie Judd Reyes. Johannes Muller Stosch will conduct this family favorite of seasonal holiday music, sing-a-long and familiar carols.
Concert Sponsor: Pat & Camy Thompson. This Holiday Concert will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024, 7:30 p.m. Dimnent Chapel, Hope College with guest soprano Jennie Judd Reyes. Johannes Muller Stosch will conduct this family favorite of seasonal holiday music, sing-a-long and familiar carols.
The Scottish Influence concert will be performed on Saturday, March 22, 2025, 7:30 p.m. at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Hope College. The concert concluding with Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony will be conducted by Johannes Müller Stosch, Music Director. Letitia Jap, violinist, will perform Saint-Saëns Rondo and Capriccioso.
Concert Sponsor: George and Sibilla Boerigter. Named for the Rachmaninoff Second Symphony, the concert will be Saturday, April 26, 2025, 7:30 p.m. at the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts, Hope College. Johannes Müller Stosch, will conduct the final concert of the 24-25 season and young cellist, Cameron Renshaw, will perform the Bruch Kol Nidre.
a collaboration between HSO and the Holland community, in a concert celebrating and spotlighting the diverse musical cultures in our area.
Barnabas Foundation
Lee & Linda DeVisser Foundation
John & Judy Spoelhof Foundation
Samuel L. Westerman Foundation
Warren Westrate Foundation
George & Sibilla Boerigter
Dave Couch
Jacqueline & Marshall Elzinga
Caron Farmer
Dede Howard
Jim & Sheryl Jurries
Pat & Camy Thompson
